System for developing power from tides



Dec. 18, 1928. 1,695,733v

J. A. KNOWLTON SYSTEM FOR DEVELOPING POWER FROM I'IDES Original iled Feb. 25f'1926 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Iowfle-servoir .Ewenlvr: JahnjlKrwwllon, z maflm Jay.

Dec. 1a, 1928. 1,695,733 I J. A. KNOWLTON SYSTEM FOR DEVELOPING POWER FROM TIDBS Origin l Filed Feb. 25. 1926 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Dec. 18, 1928. 1,695,733

7 J. A. KNOWLTON SYSTEM FOR DEVELOPING POWER FROM TIDES Original Filed Feb. 25, 1926 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 b mw Patented Dec. 18,1928. I 1,695,733- A UNITED, STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN A. KNOWLTON, OF DORCHESTER, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSTGNOR T SAID KNOWL TON, TRUSTEE FOR UNIVERSAL TIDE POWER 00., OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS.

SYSTEM FOR DEVELOPING POWER FROM TIDES. I o l Application filed February 25, 1926, Serial No. 90,557. Renewed May 17, 1928.

This invention relates to systems for developing power from the tides, the object being the production of apparatus in which pistons are mounted in a pair of wells and alternately' raised at one speed and lowered at a greater speed, said pistons being adapted 1 in their movement to actuate mechanisms for converting thereciprocaas shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings and indicated in other views as H. R.

The gates 11 are pivoted atthe top and adapted to swing inwardly to admit water into the high 'reservoir'and prevent the return thereof.

Between the high reservoir H. R. and the low reservoir is a cofler dam 12 having tory motion-thereof into rotary motion;

This object is attained by the mechanism illustrated in the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, one preferred form thereof is illustrated in the drawings, this form having been found to give satisfactory and reliable results, although it is'to be understood that the various instrumentalities of which the invention consists can be variously arranged and organized, and the invention is not limited to the precise arrangementand organization of these instrumentalities as herein shown and described except as required by the scope of the appended claims.

Of the'drawings: F igurel represents a plan of a sample installation of system for developing power from tides embodying the principles-of the present invention.

Figure 2 represents v a vertical section through the inlet dam thereof.

Figure. 3' represents a vertical through the outlet dam.

- Figure 4 represents a plan of the apparatus within the power house by which rota motion is derived from the rise and fall of tide water in the wells contained in said section power house.

Figure 5 represents a vertical lon 'tudinal section of the same on line 5, 5 on ig. 4. Figure 6 represents a transverse vertical section of same on line 6, 6 on Fig. 4. Figure 7 represents a vertical section showing the means for actuating the inlet 3' her 18 from which a vthrough which extends a inlet passages 13 therein communicating with a pair of wells-14 from which outlet passages 15, communicate with .the low'reservoir, shown in part in Fig. 1 and in other views indicated as L. R.

Betweenthe low reservoir L. R. and the ocean 0 (shown only-in Figs. 1, 2 and 3) is another dam 16 having-a plurality of pas-- sages therethrough in which are gates which are pivoted at the top and swing outwardly to permitwater in the low reservoir to pass outwardly into the ocean O at-low tide, these gates being restrained from inward movee ocean O enter ng the low reservoir. Each inlet 13 communicates with a cham .a well 14.

Oppositely disposed to the inlet 19 is an The cofl'er dam is made of concrete and set 'into this concrete on the inner end of the passage 13 is a gate 22 having a of shutters 23 pivotally mounted t erein.

The shutters 23 of each gate 22- are articulated to a rod 24 extending upwardly above the top of the cofi'er daun 12 with its upper end secured to a lever 25 pivoted at 26 to posts 27, the opposite end of said lever being interposed ,between other posts 28 locking pin 29. This lockingpin hole in the lever 25.

ment, thereby preventing the water from passage 19'extends into lurality also extends through "a gates.

Figure 8 represents a showing the rack and main shaft, and

Figure 9 represents a section of same on line 9, 9 on Fig. 8.

Similar characters throughout the several ings. y

In the drawings, is a dam provided with a plurality of gates 11 which admit water from the ocean into a high reservoir,

. This gate 22 is an emergency gate and is normally closed but may be opened to place the apparatus in commission by manipulating the lever 25, thereby moving the shutters into the position indicated in Fig. 6 of V the drawings, and lockingthe lever. in this position by means of the pin 29. 105 When the gate 22 has been opened the Waterin the chamber 18 will be at the same level as that in the high reservoir H. R.

A similar gate 30 is disposedin the inlet 19, the shutters of whichar'e articulated to 110 detail in section gear for driving the indicate like parts figures ofthe drawa rod 31 which may be raised and lowered by an arm 32 on an oscillating shaft '33 mounted in bearings 34 at the top of the The connection between the rod 31 and the arm 32 is of a peculiar construction and will be hereinafter described.

In the gate 22 there are five shutters and ,in the gate 30 only three shutters, the inlet 19 being smaller than the inlet passage 13.

By this means there is always an ample supply of water for the inflow into each well 14.

- In the outlet passage 13 is a similar gate 35,-the shutters of which are articulated to a rod 36 which is adapted to be raised and lowered by means of an arm 37 on the oscillating shaft 33. a

In this gate 35 are four shutters or a greater number than are contained in gate 30, this easily taking care of all the water admitted to well 14 through the inlet 19.

39.which prevents the shutters of gate 35 from moving beyond a horizontal position when the rod 36 is raised. 7 I

The weight of the rods 31 and 36 articulated to the shutters of gates 30, 35 tends to move the shutters of these gates into closed position, thereby permitting the pressure of the inflowing water to retain the shutters in this closed position.

From the outer end of the arm 32 extend cables 40 over sheaves 41 in each chamber 18,

the opposite ends of these cables being secured at 42 to the upper ends of thegate actuating rods 31.

Another cable 43 extends from the top of each gate actuating rod 31 downwardly under a sheave 44 in the chamber 18 and up- 'wardly over a sheave 45 in a depression 46 in the upper part of the coifer dam,

Each cable 43 passes around a sheave 47 pivotally mounted upon the bea ing 34 and is connected to the outer end of the arm 32.

When the arm 32 is moved in the direction 7 of the arrow a on Fig. 7, it is obvious that the cable 40 on the right side of said figure will raise the gate, actuating rod 31 connected thereto.

indicated in Fig. 7, the rod 31 at the left of Fig. 7 will be raised and the rod at the right of said figure will be lowered;

It will be noted, therefore, that during every oscillation of the shaft 33 and arm 32 secured thereto, the inlet gates '22 will be positivly opened and closed as desired. I

Similar mechanism is provided for positively opening and closing the outlet gates by the oscillation of the arm 37 on the oscillating shaft 33 as indicated in dotted lines in Fig, 5 of the drawings.

In each well 14 is a piston 48 which is hollow and contains a quantity of concrete 49 to weight the same so that the greater portion of the piston 48 will be submerged in the water contained within the well 14.

On the platform 50 above each well 14 are mounted two supports 51 having bearings at the upper end thereof for a rotary driving shaft 52, each of these supports' having lateral extensions 53 between which is a flangedroller 54 freely revoluble upon a'pin 55 secured in said arms 53.

Between the supports 51 is a gear 56, the

teeth of which mesh with a rack member 57, the lower end of which extends through the platform 50 and is pivotally connected at58 to a piston 48. I

Each gear 56 has a plurality of depressions 59 formed in its Inner wall surrounding theshaft 52, each of these depressions 59 containing a roller 60.

Each depression 59 has an inclined wall so designed that when the rack 57 moves downwardly causing the gear 56 to move in direction of the arrow 5 in Fig. 8 of the drawings, the rollers 60 will be forced by said inclined wall against the shaft 52, impingin on the same so as to 2031156 rotation thereo When the rack 57 moves upwardly the rollers will return to the widest part of thedepressions 59 and permit the gear 56 to move freely about the shaft 52 without imparting movement thereto.

The flanged roller 54 bears against the outer edge of the rack 57 and retains it in mesh with the gear 56 during its upward and downward movements, the flanges on the 1 -5 roller preventing any lateral play ofthe rack 57 during its movement.

The depressions 59 and rollers 60 are covered on opposite faces of the gears 56 by means of disks 61. ,J

It will be obvious, therefore, that whenever a piston 48 is raised by the water flowing into the well 14 no movement will be imparted to the shaft 52 by means of the rack 57 and gear 56, but-whenever the piston 48 moves downwardly rotary movement will v be imparted to this shaft.

.As the pistons 48 work in pairs and one piston is moving downwardly while the other is moving upwardly it is obvious that continuous rotary movement will be imparted to the shaft 52.

ile for convenience only a single pair of wells are shown and described, it is obvious that any number of such airs may be used, all connected in the same manner to the samedriving shaft 52.

' the axis of the At the top of each rack member 57 is tory movement thereto.

Outside of the tilting plates 63 and -ex tending upwardly from the platform 50 is a framework 66 having cross bars 67 thereon which limit the tilting movement of said plates 63.

connected cables 71 and 72 Loosely mounted upon the shaft 33 is a lever 68 having a weight 69 adjustably mounted on its outer end.

This lever 68 has a pin70 extending laterally therefrom, and to this pin 70 is extending in opposite directions therefrom.

' These cables 71 and 72 pass over sheaves 73 mounted upon posts 74 extending up- .member 57 will move wardly from the platform 50, under sheaves 75 revoluble in standards 76 secured to said.

platform, then upwardly over the sheaves 62 at the'upper ends of the rack members 57, and finally downwardly through rings 77 togweights 78 normally resting upon the platform 50. I I

These rings 77 are secured to the ends of cords 79 passing over sheaves 80at the upper end of posts 81 on the opposite ends of the platform 50, said cords 79 having se cured to their opposite ends small weights 82 The purpose of the weights 82 is to keep the cables 71 and 72 taut at all times during the movements thereof, due to the rise and fall of the rack member 57.

-Referring to Fig.5 of the drawings it' is obvious that when the piston 48 at left of said figure' commences to rise in its well the sheave 62 on the upper end of the rack upwardly and cause a pull upon the cable 71 which will effect a movement of the lever 68 in the direction of the arrow 0 on Fig. 5 of the drawings.

Pivoted to the framework 66 at 83 are looking bars 84-having weights 85 at their lower ends and each of which has a lateral projection 87 adapted to coact' with a pin 88 extending laterally from one of the tilt-- ing plates 63. to lock said tilting plates 63 at the extreme of their movement in'either direction.

35 and permit the discharge of water As shown in Fig 5, the tilting plates 63 are shown tipped down towards the right of said figure and locked in this position.

They cannot move from this position until the locking bar 84 in commission is moved sufiiciently to release the projection 87 from the pin 88.

This releasing is accomplished by means of the pin 89 extending laterally from the lever 68.

When the lever68 moves in the direction of the arrow c on Fig. 5, the pin 89 will pass over the'end of one looking bar 84 then out of commission and come into contact with\ the other bar 84 which is in locking position.

As soon as the pin 89 comes into contact with this bar 84 "the continued movement of the lever 68 will move the bar 84 about its pivot 83, thereby unlocking the tilting plates 63.

By this time the lever 68 has reached a vertical position and as soon as it inoves downwardly from this vertical position, being loosely mounted upon the shaft 33 and having a heavy Weight 69 on its outer end, it will move very rapidly into contact with the roller 65 on the left of the tilt ing member 63 and effect a Very rapid oscillation of the tilting member 63 and shaft 33 until the under edges of the plates 63 come in contact with the cross bar 67.

This rapid oscillation of the arms 32 and 37 will'efi'ect a very quick opening and closing of the shutters of the inlet gate 30 and. outlet gate 35. a

's a consequence of this quick action as soon as a piston-48 reaches its lowest position in a well 14 the inlet gate 30 thereto will be immediately opened to admit an inflow of water which will again raise it.

As soon as the piston reaches its uppermost limit, the 37 will immediately open the outlet gates from the well so that the piston may be lowered again. I

The result isthat the reciprocatory movement of the pistons 48 is continuous with no lost motion at the end of the movements in opposite directions.

This means for attaining this result forms a most important feature of the invention, as obviously it is essential that the ,shaft 52-should have a continuous rotation in order to effect any beneficial result.

To the end of the shaft 52 is secured a gear 90 meshing with alpinion 91 one shaft 92 having a fly wheel 93 atone end and a pulley 94 at the other end.

By means of a belt 95 the generator 96 is driven from the pulley 94.

.When, the tilting plates 63 are moved to the left of Fig. 5 the. left hand bar 84 will be quickaction of the arms 32,.

in commission and lock the plates 63 in this position until released by the return movement of the weighted lever 68.

The gates 11 in the dam are preferably located in the dam 10 at a point substantially midway of high and low tide as indicated in Fig. 2, while, the gates 17 in dam.16 are preferably located where low tide a; would be as indicated in Fig. 3.

Both Figs. 2 and 3 are diagrammatic and are drawn without regard to actual dimensions and without regard to the actual construction of the gates themselves, for the structure of the gates forms no part of the present invention.

The high reservoir H. R. is preferably located at the mouth of a river so that a high level may be attained at all times, not only due to the inflow of water from the oceanO when the tide is high, but also on account of the downward flow of water in the river.

As a consequence the level in the high reservoir H. R. is always higher than the level of the water in the low reservoir L. R. and as a result there is always a great pres sure therein which will permit the rush of water therefrom through the wells 14 into the low reservoir L. B. when the various gates are opened.

As previously stated the emergency gates 22 are closed when the plant is not in use and these gates as well as they gates 30, 35

.are located at such a low level that they are operable even when the surfaces of the two reservoirs are frozen.

As previously described only one inlet gate 30 is open at a time and when the inlet gate 30 for one well is open the outlet gate 35 of the other well is open and vice versa.

This results in the pistons 48 always reciprocating in opposite directions and when each piston reaches its highest level it actuates a tripping mechanism controlling various devices which permits the immediate lowering of said gates and the lifting of the piston in the companion well.

\Vhile wells of a certain depth are shown in the drawings it is perfectly obvious that wells of greater depth may be used, thereby giving a greater reciprocation of the pistons 48 and when this is done the power derived from the fall of each weighted piston is vastly increased.

When the lever 68 moving in the direction of arrow 0 on Fig. 5 makes a quick drop to its extreme left position there would be a slackness of the cable 71 if it were not for the weight 82, but all tendency for the cable 71 to become slack is taken care of by the lowering of the weight 82 and the pulling upon the cord 79 and this is also true of cable 72 when the weighted lever is moving in the opposite direction.

The weights 7 8 simply serve as an anchor for the outer ends of the cables 71, 72, but

if by contraction or any other reason these cables become shortened the weight 78 will be lifted slightly from the platform 50 and when the tripping mechanisms have acted, said weights will return to their normal positions on the platform.

This makes a very simple but effective system fordeveloping power from the tides, the power produced being limited in amount only by the quantity of water made to serve and unlimited quantities of such water is always available from the regular and unfailing action of the tides.

By means of the high and low reservoirs equipped with gates or ports for admitting and discharging tidal water, it is evident that a tidal head may be detained and a tidal discharge so expedited that measurable and dependable power may be obtained through the heads created by differences of level in the water during every hour of each day.

It is believed that from the foregoing explanation the operation and many advantagecsi of the invention will be fully understoo Having thus described my invention, I

cl.aiin

1. A system for utilizing the power of tides consisting of a pair of wells adapted to receive water from a high reservoir and subsequentl discharge it into a low reservoir, an inlet gate to each well, an outlet gate from each well, means for simultaneously opening the inlet gate of one well and the outlet gate of the other well and subsequently closing said gates and opening the other gates, pistons in said wells adapted to operate independently of each other, and power creating mechanism aotuated by said pistons only during the lowering thereof 2. A system tides consisting of a pair of wells adapted to receive water from a high reservoir and subsequently discharge it into a low reservoir, an inlet gate to each well, an outlet gate from each well, means for simultaneously opening the inlet gate of one well and the outlet gate of the other well and subsequently closing said gates and opening the other gates, pistons in said wells adapted to operate independently of each other, power for utilizing the power of creating mechanism actuated by said pistons only during the lowering thereof, a chamber between the inlet gates and the high reservior, and a gate controlling the admission of water to said chamber from said reservoir.

3. A system for utilizing the power of tides consisting of a pair of wells adapted to receive water from a high reser voir and subsequently discharge it into a low reservoir, an inlet gate to each well, an outlet gate from each well, means for simultaneously a gate having pivoted shutters for controlling the admission of water to said chamber from said reservoir, and means above said chamber for actuating said shutters.

4. A system for utilizing the power of tides consisting of a pair of wells adapted to receive water from a high reservoir and subsequently discharge it into a low ,reservoir, an inlet gate. to each well provided with pivoted shutters, means on the high reservoir side of said gate for actuating said shutters, an outlet gate from each well,

means for simultaneously openingl'the inlet ervoir, an inlet gate to gate of one well and the outlet gate of the other well and subsequently closing said' gates and opening the other gates, pistons in said wells operable independently of each other, and power creating mechanism actuated by said pistons only during the lowering thereof. I

5. A system for utilizing the power of tides consisting of a pair of wells'adapted to receive water from a high reservoir and subsequently discharge it into a low reseach well, an outlet gate from each well provided with pivoted shutters, means-on the high reservoir side of the outlet gate for actuating said shutters, means for simultaneously opening the inlet gate of one well and the outlet gate of the other well and subsequently closing said gates and opening the other gates, pistons in said wells operable independently of each other, and power creating mechanism actuated during the lowering thereof.

6. A system for utilizing the power of tides consisting of to alternately receive water from a high res ervoir and discharge it subsequently into a low reservoir at a greater speed than it is admitted, hollow piston members mostly submerged inlthe waterinsaid wells, a bar secured to each piston and provided with rack teeth, a with its teeth meshing with the rack teeth, and means on each gear for making a driving connection with the shaft only during the downward movement of the rack.

7. A system for utilizing the power of tides consisting of a pair; of wells to alternately receive water from reservoir and discharge it subsequently into a low reservoir at a greater speed than it is admitted, hollow piston members submerged in the water in said wells, a heavy weight'contained within each piston, a bar gate of one well and the nism for both of said a pair of wells adapted driving shaft, a gear thereon adapted a high secured to each rack teeth, a driving vshaft, a gear thereon with its teeth meshing with the rack teeth,

and means on each gear for making a driving connection directly with the shaft only during the downward movement of the rack. 8. A system for utilizing the power of tides consistingof a pair'of wells adapted to alternately receive water from a higher reservoir and discharge it subsequently into a low reservoir at a greater speed than it is admitted, hollow weighted piston members in said wells, members extending upwardly therefrom, an oscillating shaft interposed between the wells perpendicular to a line between the centers thereof, an arm thereon, inlet gates to said wells, controlling mechagates actuated by the piston and provided with oscillation of said arm, and mechanism interposed between said oscillating shaft and said upwardly extending members for causing an oscillation of saidshaft at each upward-movement of a'piston.

9. 'A system for utilizing the power of tides consisting of a pair of wells adapted to alternately receive water from a high reservoir and discharge it subsequently into greater speed than it. is

a low reservoir at a admitted, hollow weighted piston members in said wells, members extending upwardly therefrom, an oscillating shaft interposed between the wells perpendicular to a line between the centers thereof, an arm thereon, outlet gates to said wells, controlling mechanism for both of said gates actuated by the oscillation of said arm, posed between saidoscillating shaft and said upwardly extending members for causing an oscillation of said shaft at each upward -movement of a piston, and means for .positively closing said gates.

10. .A tides consisting of apair of wells to alternately receive water from reservoir and discharge it subsequently into a low reservoir at a greater speed than it is admitted, hollow weighted piston members in said Wells, members extending upwardly therefrom, an oscillating shaft interposed between the wells perpendicular to a line between the centers thereof, an arm thereon, outlet gates to said wells, controlling mechanism for both of said adapted mechanism 'intera high gates actuated by the oscillation of said arm, mechanism .inter-' system for utilizing the power of Ill at a greater speed than-it is admitted, an inlet gate to each well, an outlet gate from each well, means for simultaneously opening the inlet a'te of one well and the outlet means for alternately filling said wells with water and subsequently discharging said water, pistons in said wells, a rack extending upwardly from each piston, a rotary shaft,

a gear thereon meshing with each rack, and

' 7 means interposed between each gear and said shaft adapted to impinge upon and rotate said shaft only during the lowering of the pistons.

13. A system for utilizing the power of tides consisting of a pair of wells, adapted to receive water from a high reservoir and subsequently discharge it into a low reservoir, means for alternately filling said wells with water from the high reservoir and subsequently discharging said water into the low reservoir, a rigid member extending up wardly from each; piston and provided with rack teeth, a rotary shaft, a gear thereon meshing with the teeth of each rack member andhaving depressions with inclined walls on its inner cylindrical wall, means for retaining in mesh the teeth of said rack and gear, and rollers in said depressions adapted to impinge upon said shaft only during the lowering of said pistons.

14:. A system for utilizing the powerof tides consisting of a pair of wells, adapted to receive water from a high reservoir and subsequently discharge it into a low reservoir, means for alternately filling said wells with water from the high reservoir and subsequently dischargin low reservoir, a rac extending upwardly from each piston, a rotary shaft, agear thereon meshing with each rack and provided with means for looking it to the shaft only during the lowering of the pistons, an oscillating shaft, a tilting member on said oscillating shaft, gates controlling the admission and discharge of water to and from said wells, means on said oscillating shaft for actuating said gates, and means for actuatin said tilting member by the rise and fall-o said pistons. I

15. A system for utilizin the power of tides consisting of a pair 0 wells, adapted to receive water from a high reservoir and subsequently discharge it into a low resersaid water into the.

voir, an inlet gate to each well having a plurality of pivoted shutters, an outlet gate from each well provided with a greater number of pivoted shutters than the inlet gate, means on the high reservoir side of the gate for actuating said shutters, means for simultaneously opening the inlet gate of one well and the outlet gate of the other well and subsequently closing said gates and opening the other gates, pistons in said wells operable independently of eachother, and power creating mechanism actuated by said pistons only during the lowering thereof.

16. A system for utilizin the power of tides consisting of a pair 0 wells adapted to alternately receive water from a high reservoir and discharge it subsequently into a low reservoir, gates controlling the flow of water into and from said wells, hollow piston members in said wells and mostly submerged in said water, a rack secured to each piston, a driving shaft; a gear thereon meshin with each rack, means on each gear for maiing a driving connection with the shaft only during the downward movement of the rack, an oscillating shaft at right angles to the driving shaft, means thereon for actuating said gates, a tilting member secured to the oscillating shaft, a weighted lever loosely mounted on said oscillating shaft and adapted to be moved about the axis of the oscillating shaft into contact with shoulders on the tilting member to effect a tilting thereof, and means coacting with said pistons for efiecting a swinging contained within each piston, a rack secured to each piston, a driving shaft, a gear thereon meshing with each rack, means on each gear for makin the shaft only uring the downward movement of the rack, an oscillating shaft, means thereon for actuating said gates, a tilting member secured to and movable with said oscillating shaft and having oppositely disposed laterally'extending bars, a weighted lever loosely mounted on said oscillating shaft and adapted to be moved against a laterally extending bar and tilt said tilting member thereby causing an oscillation'of the oscillating shaft, and means operable by the rise and fall of said piston for moving said lever about the axis of the oscillating shaft.

18. A system for utilizing wells adapted a driving connection with to alternately receive water from a high reservoir and discharge it subsequently into alow reservoir, hollow weighted piston members in said wells, members extending upwardly therefrom, an oscillating shaft, an arm thereon, inlet trolling mechan1sm extending bars,

' mounted on said oscillating shaft and adapted to be moved against a laterally exmember and oscillate the oscillating shaft, means for limiting the movement ofsaid tilting member, and means actuated by the rise and fall of said pistons for moving said lever about the axis of said oscillating shaft.

a 10W reservoir, hollow weighted piston members in said wells, members extending upwardly therefrom, an oscillating shaft, an arm thereon, inlet gates to said wells, controlling mechanism for said gates actuated by the oscillation of said arm, a tilting member secured to said oscillating shaft provided with oppositely disposed laterally extending bars, .a weighted lever loosely mounted on said oscillating shaft and adapted to be moved against a laterally extending bar to tilt'the tllting member and oscillate the oscillating shaft, means for limiting the movement of said member,

movement in either directiont system for utilizing the power of tides consisting of a pair of wells adapted to alternately receive water from a high reservoir and discharge it subsequently into a low reservoir, hollow weighted piston members in said wells, members extending upwardly therefrom, an oscillating shaft, an arm thereon, inlet gates to said wells,

controlling mechanism for said gates actuated by the oscillation of said arm a tilting member secured to said oscillating shaft providedwith oppositely disposed laterally extending bars, a Wei hted lever loosely mounted on said oscillating shaft and adapted to be moved against a laterally exoscillate the oscillating shaft,

tending .bar totilt the tilt1ng member and means for limiting the movement of said tilting member, means actuated by the rise and fall of said pistons for -moving;said lever about the axis of said oscillating shaft, means for locking said tilting'member at. the end of its movement in either direction, and means on said lever for releasing said locking means when said lever has reached a vertical position during its movement.

21. Asys'tem forutilizing the power of tides consisting of a pair of wells adapted to alternately receive water from a arm thereon, gates controlling the flow of water into and from said wells, controlling mechanism for said gates actuated by the oscillation of said arm, mechanism interposed between said oscillating shaft and said upwardly extending ing an oscillation of said shaft ateach upward movement ofa piston and comprising in part a tilting member secured to the os- 22. A system for utilizing the power of tides consisting of a pair of wells adapted to alternately receive Water from a high reservoir and discharge it subsequently into a low reservoir, hollow weighted piston members'in said wells, members extending upwardly therefrom, an oscillating shaft, an arm thereon, gates controlling the flow of water into and from mechanism for said osclllatlon of said arm, mechanlsm intermembers for caussaid wells, controlling gates actuated by the connected by cables to said upwardly extending members and adapted to impart movement to. said tilting member during its movement in either direction, and means preventing movement of sald tilting mem- "ber during the first half of the movement of.

lever loosely mounted on sald oscillating means controlled by the rise and fall of said pistons for moving said weighted lever,

adapted -to alternately receive water from a high reservoir .and discharge it subsequently into a low reservoir, hollow weighted piston members in said wells, 'members extending upwardly therefrom, an oscillating shaft, an arm thereon, gates controlling the flow of .water into and from said wells, controlli g mechanism forsaid gates actuated by the oscillation of said arm, a tilting member secured to said. oscillating shaft, a weighted lever loosely mounted on said oscillating shaft and adapted to tilt said tilting member during the last half of its movement, means controlled by the rise and fall of said pistons for moving said weighted lever, pins p ojecting from said tilting member, and weighted locking devices coa'cting with said pins to retain said tilting member at the extreme of its movement and adapted to be released by the movement of said pivoted lever.

25. In a system for developing power from the tide, a pair of wells, a piston in each well, means for admitting water alternately to said wells, gates for controlling the admission of water into said wells, an oscillating shaft interposed between .said wells perpendicular to a line-between the centers thereof, an arm thereon, cablesconnected to said arm and to both inlet gates, and independent means coacting therewith actuated by the rise and fall of the pistons for oscillating said arm and causing the simultaneous opening of one inlet gate and the closing of the other.

26. In a system for developing power from the tides, a pair of wells, a piston in each well, means for admitting water alternately to said well, a set of gates for controlling the admission of water into said wells and another set controlling its discharge therefrom, an oscillating. shaft, an

arm secured thereto and movable therewith, means connected to said arm and either set of gates whereby one gate of each set may be raised by the movement of said arm and.

the other gate closed, atilting member secured to said oscillating shaft, a weighted lever loosely mounted on said shaft and adapted to be moved into contact with said member and 'tilt it, a cable extending from said lever in opposite directions, a member.

extending upwardly from 'each piston, a sheave at the upper end thereof over which each cable extends, and a weight. at the outer end of said cable. a

27. In a system for developing power from the tides, a pair of wells, a piston in each well, means for admitting water alternately to said well, a set of gates for controlling the admission of water into said wells and another set controlling its dis said lever in opposite directions, a member.

extending upwardly from each piston, a

sheave at the upper end thereof over which each cable extends, a weight at theouter end of said cable, and means keeping taut .the portion of cable between said sheave and weight. v

28. In a system for developing power from the tides, a pair of wells, a piston in each well, means for. admitting wateralternately to said well, a set of gates for controlling the admission of water into saidwells and another set controlling its discharge therefrom, an oscillating shaft, an

arm secured thereto and moveable therewith, means connected to said arm and either set of gates whereby one gate of each set may be raised by the. movement of said arm and the other gate closed, a tilting member secured to said oscillating shaft, a weighted lever loosely mounted on said shaft and adapted to be moved into con tact with said member and tilt it, cables extending from said lever 'in opposite directions, a member extending upwardly from each piston, a sheave at the upper end thereof over which each cable extends, a weight at the outer end of said cable, a post, a sheave at the upper end thereof, a cord extending over the. sheave on said post; a ring on one end of said cord through which extends the portion of the cable between said weight and the sheave on said upwardly extending member, and a weight on the opposite end of said cord.

29. In a system for developing power from the tides, a pair of wells, a piston in each well, means for admitting water alternately to said well, a set of gates for controlling the admission of water into said -wells and another set controlling its discharge therefrom, an oscillating shaft, an arm secured thereto andmovable therewith, means connected to said arm and either set of gates whereby one gate of each set may be raised by the movement of said arm and the other gate closed, a tilting member secured to said oscillating shaft, a weighted lever loosely mounted on said shaft and adapted to be moved into contact with said member and tilt it, cables extending from said lever in-opposite directions; amemsaid lateral projections. being so disposed as to engage a pin when the tilting member has been moved to its limit in one direction and retain it in this position, and means on said weighted lever for moving said locking bar about its pivot and disengaging said projection from said pin. 1

30. A system for utilizing the power of tides consisting of a pair of wells adapted to receive water from a high reservoir and subsequently discharge it into a low reservoir, an inlet gate to each well, an outlet gate from each well having a greater capacity than the inlet gate, a piston in each well adapted to be lifted by the inflow of water and to lower more rapidly thanit rises, said pistons being adapted to'move independently .of each other, and means coacting with said pistons for converting reciprocatorymotion into rotary motion.

31. A system for utilizingthe power of tides consisting of a pair of wells adapted to receive water from a high reservoir and subsequently discharge it into a low reservoir more rapidly than it is admitted, pistons in said wells adapted to be alternately raised and lowered independently of each other, and means coacting with said pistons for converting reciprocatory motion into rotary motion.

32. A system for utilizing the power of tides consisting of a high reservoir, a low reservoir, means for automatically and continuously admittin water from the ocean to the high reservolr during the rise of the.

tide from its mean leyel to its high level and preventing the return of said water, means for automatically discharging the water from the low reservoir into the ocean during the ebb tide, a cofl:'er dam between the high and low reservoirs provided with gates therethrough adapted to be alternately opened, and a single power creating mechanism adjacent sa1d cofier dam adapted to be actuated by the flow of water through the cofi'er dam when either gate is open.

33. A system for utilizing the power of tides consisting of a high reservoir, a low reservoir, means for automatically and continuously admitting water from the ocean to the high reservoir during the rise of the tide from 1ts mean level to its high level, means for automatically discharging the water from the low reservoir into the ocean during the ebb tide, a cofi'er dam between the high and low reservoirs containing a plurality of wells and a chamber between said wells and the high reservoir, an emergency gate at the bottom of said coifer dam for ,"10

admitting water to said chamber,-an inlet gate controlling the flow of water from said chamber to the bottom of each well, an outlet gate controlling the flow of water from each well to the low reservoir, a weighted piston in each well adapted to be raised by the rise of water within said well, and power creating mechanism adapted to be actuated by the fall 'of each piston.

34. A system for utilizing the power of tides consisting of a high reservoir, a low reservoir adjacent thereto and at one side thereof, means for automatically and continuously admitting water from the ocean to the high reservoir during the rise of the tide above its mean level and preventing the return thereof, means for automatically discharging the water from the low reservoir into the ocean during the ebb tide and preventing the return thereof, a cofl'er dam between. the high and low reservoirs containing a plurality of wells and a chamber betweensaid wells and the high reservoir, an emergency gate noramllyclosed but adapted to be opened to admit water to said chamber when the system is in operation, an inlet gate controlling the flow of water from said chamber to the bottom of each well, an outlet gate controlling the flow of water from each well to the low reservoir, and power creating mechanism actuated by the rise and fall of vyater within said wells includ-' ing pistons in said wells adapted to operate alternately.

35. A system for utilizing the power of tides consisting of a main .body of tidal water, a high reservoir, a dam between said main body of water and the high reservoir,

gates in said dam below the top thereof to discharge water from the low reservoir and prevent the return thereof, a co-fier dam between the highanddow reservoirs provided with a passage therethrough, a gate creating mechanisms "adjacent said coifer dam adapted to be actuated alternately by the flowof water through the coifer dam when the gate is open..

36.- A system for utilizing the power of tides consisting of a' high .reservolr, a low reservoir adjacent thereto and at one side thereof, a dam between thehigh reservoir and the ocean having passages therethrough 120 for said passage, and a plurality of power sages therethrough the bottoms of which are at low tide level, gates hinged to the tops of the last mentioned passages and adapted to swing away from the low reservoir to permit the water to flow therefrom and prevent the return thereto, a cofler dam between the high and low reservoirs and havin passages therethrough and a plurality 0 wells therein, gates for closing the passages in the cofi'er dam, and power creating mechanism above said dam adapted I to be actuated by the flow of water through the cofi'er dam passages when the gates are open and the reciprocation of members in said wells alternately actuated.

37. A system for'utilizing the power of tides consisting of a high reservoir, a low reservoir adjacent thereto and at one side thereof, a dam between the high reservoir and the ocean havin passages therethrough the bottoms of whic are at the mean tide level and the tops of which are below high tide level, gates hinged to the tops of said passages and adapted to swing toward said high reservoir to admit water thereto and prevent the return thereof, a dam between the low reservoir and the ocean having passages therethrough, the bottoms of which are. at low tide level, gates hinged to the tops of the last mentioned passages and adapted to swin away from the low reservoir to permit the water to flow therefrom and prevent the return thereof, a cofi'er dam between the high and low reservoirs and' having a plurality of passages therethrough, gates for closing the entrance to said passages, a well associated with each passage, a

float in each well, means for opening said cofi'er dam gates alternately to cause said floats to be alternately raised and then low,- ered, and power creating mechanism adapted to be actuated by the lowering of said floats.

38. A system for utilizing the power of tides consisting of a high reservoir, a low reservoir, means for automatically admitting water directly from the ocean to the high reservoir through a walled inlet in a dam tides consisting of a'high reservoir, a low reservoir, a dam between said high reser-' voir and the ocean having an inlet passage considerably below high tide level through which water may be admitted to the high reservoir, means preventing the return of water through said inlet passage, means for automatically discharging the water from the low reservoir during the ebb tide through an outlet in a dam between said low reservoir and the ocean, a cotter dam between the high and low reservoirs provided with a gate therethrough and having wells therein, and power creating mechanism adjacent said coifer dam adapted to be actuated by the alternate rise and fall of water in said wells when said gate is open.

Signed by me at 746 Old South Bldg, gcston, Mass, this 19th day of February,

, JOHN a. KNOWLTON. 

